This Week on One Detroit:

Detroit Public Schools graduates first high school class from The School at Marygrove

A unique educational partnership has produced its first class of high school graduates. In 2019, the closure of Marygrove College gave way to a different approach to education on the same campus with the Detroit Public School’s new School at Marygrove, a social justice, engineering and education-focused school.

The School at Marygrove held a monumental commencement ceremony for its first graduating high school class, which collectively received over $6 million in post-secondary scholarships and awards. One Detroit contributor Daijah Moss stopped by Music Hall Detroit to capture the celebration.

The School at Marygrove is part of a “cradle to career” program called the P-20 Partnership. It’s a collaboration among several organizations including Detroit Public Schools Community District (DPSCD), the Kresge Foundation, the Marygrove Conservancy, Starfish Family Services and the University of Michigan School of Education.

At the commencement, graduates share their experience at The School at Marygrove. University of Michigan School of Education Dean Elizabeth Birr Moje talks about the college’s commitment to the next generation of teachers and students. The commencement ceremony featured school principal Lisa Williams and founding teachers, DPSCD Board Members, Michigan Supreme Court Justice Kyra Bolden, and the graduation class’s valedictorian and salutatorian.

Detroit Mayor Mike Duggan proposes new property tax plan, challenges city’s population loss

Reducing property taxes and increasing the city’s population are two issues that recently made headlines in Detroit after the Detroit Regional Chamber’s 2023 Mackinac Policy Conference. Mayor Mike Duggan outlined his proposed changes to the city’s property tax system at the annual conference. And, he’s also challenging the latest federal census data on the city’s population decline.

Duggan’s proposed tax reform, which would need approval by the state legislative bodies to be enacted, would give the City of Detroit and other Michigan municipalities the opportunity to vote on a new way to implement property taxes to benefit residents, spur development, and cut down on land speculation. Specifically, Duggan’s new Land Value Tax plan would cut building taxes by 30% and triple land taxes. It would be the first change to Detroit’s property tax code in 50 years.  

BridgeDetroit reporter Malachi Barrett covered Duggan’s keynote address at the conference, where he announced these plans. He joins One Detroit producer Will Glover to outline Duggan’s proposed property tax changes. Plus, they talk about the factors that are influencing many Detroiters to move out of the city and how the Detroit region will play a leading role in the state’s revitalization efforts. 

Stacey ‘Hotwaxx’ Hale: Detroit’s godmother of electronic house music

If you’re a fan of Detroit house music, you’re likely familiar with the name Stacey “Hotwaxx” Hale. Known as the Godmother of House music, Hale was the first female DJ to play house music on Detroit’s radio airwaves and she did it all in the birthplace of American techno music — Detroit. 

Hale’s multi-genre blend of House music with flavors of funk, gospel, hip hop and Motown soul has set her apart from other DJs on the scene and has afforded her opportunities to DJ at the Apollo Theatre in New York as well as major cities across the globe. It’s also gifted her the opportunity to give back to the community through music education for youth and adults. She was inducted into the National Museum of African American Music in 2019. 

In recognition of Black Music Month, One Detroit contributor Cecelia Sharpe of 90.9 WRCJ talks with Stacey “Hotwaxx” Hale about her early roots and rise in Deejaying. Plus, they talk about how she developed her unique multi-genre style, her passion for mentorship and the importance of music education, and about the mission of her Sheometry Music & Arts Festival, which she created in 2019. The festival is planned to return July, 15 2023. 

One Detroit Weekend: June 9, 2023 

Are you looking for some arts, culture, music and family-friendly fun to experience in Southeast Michigan? From Motor City Pride Festival and other LGBTQIA+ events, a glass blowing festival, an African American cooking demo, and the Pewabic House & Garden Show, Detroit has an abundance of fun events this weekend. 

One Detroit contributors Dave Wagner and Cecelia Sharpe of 90.9 WRCJ share what you can do around metro Detroit during the June 9 weekend and next week on “One Detroit Weekend.” 

List of Upcoming Events:  

  • Head over to the Russell Industrial Center for The Michigan Glass Project, taking place Friday through Sunday, June 9-11, for three days of live music, art-making and glass blowing.
     
  • Learn how to conserve water and clean our waterways at the Detroit Zoo on Saturday, June 10 from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. during World Oceans Day.
     
  • Enjoy classical music and a delicious meal at the Community House’s Classical Brunch Concert, sponsored by 90.9 WRCJ, starting at 11:30 a.m. Sunday, June 11.
     
  • Celebrate Pride Month with a Pride+ Allies Open Mic Night, hosted by Inside/Out Literary Arts at the Room Project from 6-7:30 p.m. Friday, June 9. The event is open to youth and adult poets.
     
  • Motor City Pride Festival returns to Hart Plaza Saturday and Sunday, June 10-11, with live entertainment, the Pride Parade starting at 12 p.m. Sunday, June 11, and more. 
     
  • Join the Detroit Public Library Friday, June 9 from 3-4:30 p.m. for the first of a new cooking series highlighting African American, Caribbean, and African recipes with Detroit-based caterer, Cori Howell.
     
  • Pewabic Pottery is celebrating its 120th anniversary with the Pewabic House & Garden Show Friday through Sunday, June 9-11, including a strolling tour and a ceramic art shop.
     
  • The War Memorial presents Jazzin’ at the Vanity, a free 2-day jazz & blues festival featuring live performances, great food, a vendor marketplace, visual art, kids’ activities, and more. 

Stay Connected: 

Subscribe to One Detroit’s YouTube Channel & Don’t miss One Detroit Mondays and Thursdays at 7:30 p.m. on Detroit Public TV, WTVS-Channel 56.

Catch the daily conversations on our website, Facebook, Twitter @DPTVOneDetroit, and Instagram @One.Detroit

View Past Episodes >

Watch One Detroit every Monday and Thursday at 7:30 p.m. ET on Detroit Public TV on Detroit Public TV, WTVS-Channel 56.